Leisure Travel Packages

Itineraries

Best of Australia [CU23]

14 Day/12 Night - Best of Australia including Sydney, Great Barrier Reef Island, Brisbane, Rainforest Retreat, and the Gold Coast

Your first stop in Australia is Sydney, Australia's oldest city, the economic powerhouse of the nation, and the country's capital in everything but name. It's blessed with sun-drenched natural attractions, dizzy skyscrapers, delicious and daring restaurants, superb shopping and friendly folk. Bursting with character, Sydney is a vibrant city catering to all your desires whether you seek exhilaration and exploration or 100% relaxation. Discover Sydney's unique blend of dining, shopping and recreation options in one of the world's most attractive city environments.

Next fly to Gladstone to take a ferry to the Great Barrier Reef Island Resort. The Island is a true coral cay right on the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef. Here you can swim straight off the beach to an endless garden of coral where the waters are literally teeming with beautifully coloured fish and marine life. It's what you don't see around the island that makes the resort so special. You won't see any buildings above the tree line. And you won't bump into any daytrippers either. The reef experience is exclusively for guests, a unique experience few other resorts in the world can offer. There's a relaxed island lifestyle that sets this island vacation resort apart, a sophisticated yet casual resort atmosphere. Here the emphasis is on exploring and discovering the natural attractions that have made the island famous around the world.

Stopover for one night in Brisbane before you embark on a deluxe coach bus ride to the enchanted Rainforest Retreat, 2 hours by road south of Brisbane. Lamington National Park is home to a vast array of unique flora and fauna. Pademelons, gliders and possums, frogs and the amazing array of birdlife makes the retreat a nature lover’s paradise. The Rainforest Retreat is 930 metres (3,000 feet) above sea level and enjoys cool mountain air (for cooler days and nights in summer) and has spectacular views which go forever.

Afterwards chill out on the beach at the Gold Coast, a dynamic city with about 290 sunny days annually. The City is located in picturesque south-east Queensland, Australia, and includes rural hinterland dense with sub-tropical vegetation and more than 57 kilometres of beaches. A climate which invites open-air activities including al fresco dining there are more than 500 restaurants; golf more than 40 resort, public and private courses; sports world-class facilities and an exciting event calendar of culture, sport, racing, music and fine food.

Features

• Accommodation - Sydney (3 nights), Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island (3 nights), Brisbane (1 night), O'Reillys Rainforest Retreat (2 nights), Gold Coast (3 nights)
• Day Tours (Included) Sydney: Sydney Harbour Bridgeclimb Adventure, Opera House and the Blue Mountains.
• International Air & USA Domestic Air are not included (as per your own arrangements)
• International Air - Los Angeles to Sydney, Brisbane to Los Angeles
• Australian Domestic Air sectors: Sydney to Gladstone, Gladstone to Brisbane
• Transfers between Gladstone and Heron Island, Brisbane Airport to the Rainforest Retreat, Rainforest Retreat to the Gold Coast, Gold Coast to Brisbane. All other transfers are not included (we recommend the use of local taxis or shuttle services)
• F.I.T (Free and Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organised Group Tour)
• Electronic Travel Authority (VISAs) are an addtional US$15 per person

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: International Flight from Los Angeles to Sydney

After departing from Los Angeles, you will be provided with an evening meal, you can relax, have a drink, watch a movie and rest. You will be given Breakfast before landing in Sydney, Australia. (You lose one day crossing the International Date Line but don't worry you catch it up again on your return flight to the USA)

The Qantas Boeing 747-400 is equipped with the latest entertainment features of any Airline. The overnight flight to Australia can be a good opportunity for sleeping or to watch the latest movies after your evening meal.

Day 2: Shuttle Transfer, Sydney Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia.

Days 2-5: 3 Nights Accommodation in Sydney

Travel to your accommodation in Sydney, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 3 nights.

Embrace Sydney's best location with this four star vacation accommodation ideally nestled in the heart of the city. Overlooking Wynyard Park you will enjoy this icon of time-honored tradition, warm hospitality and friendly personal service. Just a short stroll away from many famous attractions including the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, The Royal Botanical Gardens and more. You will love the luxury of the close accessibility to public transportation including light rail access, train station, the bus system and nearby Circular Quay which will allow you to see much more of Sydney and surrounds. Featuring: 446 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, 2 restaurants, 4 bars, indoor heated pool, sauna, spa, and gymnasium. Amenities: air conditioning, daily maid service, fridge, iron & board, radio channels, shower, coffee & tea, ensuite bathroom, hair dryer, shaving adaptor, sprinklers, smoke detectors, television, telephone, internet access (broadband), data port, wake up calls, mini bar, and 24 hour room service. With all this and more take time out to experience the wonders of Sydney while enjoying all your accommodation has to offer.

Upgrade Available (Upon Request): Stunning 5 Star Property

Day 3: Sydney Harbour Bridgeclimb Adventure (3 Hours)

On your vacation climb the famous Harbour Bridge in Sydney at twilight.

Achieve exhilaration and personal satisfaction as you climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For approximately two hours you, along with 11 other eager climbers and a climb guide, weave through catwalks, climb up ladders and then arrive at the most spectacular point of all - the upper arch climb. The steady incline to the upper arch leaves you free to focus your attention on your Sydney experience, with opportunities for 360 degree views of Sydney, including east to the ocean, west to the mountains and the harbour city surrounds. It is at this point that you not only have a bird's eye view of the beautiful Sydney Harbour and the city, but have the exhilaration of the truly rewarding experience of reaching the top to the Harbour Bridge in Sydney, Australia. When you reach the top you will have a sense of achievement that you'll remember forever - you've conquered an Australian icon recognised the world over! No other Sydney tourist attraction can give you this feeling of standing at the top of the world, with the Harbour spread before you. All climbers will be issued a complimentary photograph of their climb group.

Climb time is around Twilight.

Day 3: Sydney Opera House Tour (1 Hour)

On your vacation participate in an inspiring tour of the opera house in Sydney, Australia.

This one hour tour outlines the intricate and controversial history of the Sydney Opera House along with details of the unique design of this architectural masterpiece. You will visit a number of the six performance venues, including the magnificent wood paneled Concert Hall and the Opera Theatre as well as the new Utzon room. You will also visit the glass enclosed northern foyer areas which boast spectacular views of Sydney Harbour - a perfect photo opportunity.

Day 4: Blue Mountains and Australian Wildlife Day Tour

On your vacation, discover the spectacular Blue Mountains via deluxe coach and see native wildlife Explore World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, located outside of Sydney, Australia.

This rugged and beautiful region forms part of the Great Dividing Range, linking tropical north to temperate south, while dividing coastal cities from the vast Outback. Pass by Homebush Bay, site of the 2000 Olympics. Discover Leura village, a delightful blend of groomed gardens and quaint shops, enjoy free time to wander the streets of Leura. Next we stop at Echo Point and see the famous Three Sisters rock formation. Travel through Katoomba, heart of the resort region within the Blue Mountains National Park and discover the remarkable beauty of Blue Mountains National Park, enjoy an easy walk or Visit Echo Point Lookout, see the Three Sisters and hear the ancient Aboriginal legends of this impressive rock formation, hear traditional Aboriginal Dreamtime tales interpreting the creation of local landmarks. Enjoy a 2 course hot lunch with tea, coffee or soft drink. Join the optional Blue Mountain rides - Scenic Railway, Cableway or Skyway (own expense). These are great ways to see the steep valleys, canyons and Three Sisters rock formation. Enjoy a short stop at Cahills Lookout for impressive mountain scenery. Next we enjoy an afternoon encounter at Koala Park and have your photo taken with a cuddly koala, see kangaroos, wombats, dingoes and cute little fairy penguins. Full Day Tour.

Day 5: Shuttle Transfer, Accommodation to Sydney Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia, to the Airport.

Day 5: Australian Domestic Flight from Sydney to Gladstone

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Sydney to Gladstone (morning flight).

This flight takes you across the border from the state of New South Wales to Gladstone, a coastal town in Queensland, north of Brisbane.

Days 5-8: 3 Nights Accommodation on a Great Barrier Reef Island

Travel to your accommodation on a Great Barrier Reef Island, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 3 nights.

This luxury vacation resort is set amongst a dazzling parade of aquamarine waters, shimmering white sand beaches and colour-splashed reef teeming with life. It's what you don't see around the island that makes the resort so special. You won't see any buildings above the tree line. And you won't bump into any day trippers either. The reef vacation experience is exclusively for guests, a unique experience few other resorts in the world can offer. There's a relaxed island lifestyle that sets the island apart, a sophisticated yet casual resort atmosphere. Here the emphasis is on exploring and discovering the natural attractions that have made Heron famous around the world. The vacation resort rooms are equipped with either balcony or terrace, as well as tea and coffee making facilities, refrigerators, hairdryers, and many more. In order to help guests leave the outside world behind, televisions and telephones, while available on the island, are not found in guest rooms.

Breakfast Included. Upgrade to Beachside Suite Available (Pricing Upon Request)

Day 8: Australian Domestic Flight from Gladstone to Brisbane

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Gladstone to Brisbane.

Day 8: Shuttle Transfer, Brisbane Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Brisbane, Australia.

Days 8-9: 1 Night Accommodation in Brisbane

Travel to your accommodation in Brisbane, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

Your 3 Star vacation accommodation is conveniently located in Brisbane's city centre. It is within walking distance to the Queen Street Mall shopping precinct, Treasury Casino, South Bank Parklands, Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Recently, the hotel went through a major refurbishment. Its rooms are equipped with free coffee/tea making facility, fridge, air conditioning, and hair dryer.

Day 9: Shuttle Transfer, Brisbane Accommodation to Rainforest Retreat

Travel by deluxe coach from Brisbane city to your vacation accommodation at the Rainforest Retreat.

Days 9-11: 2 Nights Accommodation at the Rainforest Retreat

Travel to your accommodation at the Rainforest Retreat, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Your vacation Rainforest Retreat is located in one of Australia's most enchanted rainforests. You will enjoy the spectacular mountain view on your drive to this eighty year old hideaway. The Rainforest Retreat offers a range of guestrooms to cater to all tastes, from the grandeur of the luxurious Canopy Suites through the most popular Mountain View Rooms to the simple yet comfortable Garden View (subject to availability). Most rooms also take advantage of the magnificent mountain views. Enjoy the birds and wildlife in their natural habitat. Or relax from your travel and ponder the beauty of life as you sit on a rock amongst the ferns and greenery and admire waterfalls, creeks and other pleasures of nature.

Includes a Dinner Platter on arrival, Breakfast and Dinner the following day as well as Breakfast on your departure day.

Tip: Ask about getting a packed lunch or picnic basket (not included) to go and enjoy your meal in the rainforest!

Day 11: Shuttle Transfer, Rainforest Retreat to Gold Coast Accommodation

Travel by luxury coach from your vacation accommodation at the Rainforest Retreat to the Gold Coast, Australia.

Days 11-14: 3 Nights Accommodation at the Gold Coast

Travel to your accommodation on the Gold Coast, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 3 nights.

Your 5 Star luxury vacation accommodation is in Broadbeach, the Gold Coast's most cosmopolitan location. Only 50 metres from the beach, the hotel is a short stroll to the Gold Coast Convention Centre. The spacious rooms are equipped with balconies and panoramic views, some of which are directly of the ocean. Some other amenities include in-room safe, broadband high speed Internet access, and air conditioning. Travel to Lamington National Park, one of Australia's green and lush, subtropical rainforests. Or perhaps you want to see the Gold Coast from a unique vantage point of a balloon. Whatever your heart desires, you find it while on vacation here.

Day 14: Shuttle Transfer, Gold Coast Accommodation to Brisbane Airport

Travel by shuttle from your Gold Coast vacation accommodation to the Airport in Brisbane, Australia. (Estimated travel time 1.5 hours)

Day 14: International Flight from Brisbane to Los Angeles

Mid-day Departure from Brisbane, In-flight Dinner and Movie with arrival in the USA. Note: You will be traveling back across the International Date line so you will gain a day. You actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Australia.

The Qantas Boeing 747-400 is equipped with the latest entertainment features of any Airline. The overnight flight to the USA can be a good opportunity for sleeping or to watch the latest movies after your evening meal.